Abstract

Teak fruits, collected from moist localities Nilambur in Kerala, were subjected to different pre-sowing treatments and sown in an irrigated nursery. The treatments included (1) alternate wetting and drying for 12 hours during a 24-hour regime for 2-7 days, (2) soaking in cowdung solution for 24 and 48 hours followed by storage in wet gunny bags for 3 days, (3) boiling in water for 1 hour and cooling for 24 hours, and steaming under (4) open and (5) closed conditions for 1 hour. The effect of paddy (Oryza sativa) straw and twigs of amla [Emblica officinalis (Phyllanthus emblica) ] as mulching materials on seedbeds were also compared. The earliest germination was recorded within 5 days of sowing and the cumulative germination attained a maximum at 45 days after sowing. Based on the results, wetting and drying for 7 days and soaking in cowdung solution for 24 hours are recommended for enhancing germination of teak fruits. Twigs of amla made a better mulching material for seedbeds